Break bulk cargo refers to goods or items that are transported in individual pieces or packages, rather than in containers or bulk loads. It involves the shipping of non-containerized goods that are too large, heavy, or irregularly shaped to be easily loaded into standardized shipping containers. Unlike containerized cargo, which is loaded into containers at the point of origin and remains sealed and untouched until it reaches its destination, break bulk cargo requires individual handling at multiple points along the supply chain.
Break bulk cargo often includes items such as heavy machinery, vehicles, timber, steel, pipes, and other oversized or non-containerizable items. These goods are generally secured on pallets or wooden skids, and are packed and unpacked manually using cranes, forklifts, or other lifting equipment at ports, warehouses, or distribution centers.
Due to their unique characteristics, break bulk cargoes require specialized handling, storage, and transportation methods. This can involve additional time, labor, and costs compared to containerized cargo. Break bulk shipments are often marked and numbered for identification purposes, and the goods are typically protected with packaging materials and secure lashing to prevent damage during transit.
In recent years, break bulk cargo transportation has faced challenges from the growing popularity of containerization, which offers more efficiency and cost-effectiveness for certain types of goods. However, break bulk transportation remains an essential part of global trade, particularly for oversized, heavy, or unique items that cannot be easily packed into containers.
